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That raises in my mind the question of where to seek wisdom. At various times in my life, I have sought her in different places.
When I was young, it seemed prudent to seek wisdom from outside authorities - teachers, books, classes. Much of worth could be appropriated from the traditions in which I was raised - Catholic religion and Western culture. Yet those sources are limited and, at a certain point, I was moved to look beyond only external sources in my search for wisdom.
As I entered what I consider my householder phase, my experience proved to be a place to meet wisdom. In my work, in my family life, in therapy, in my Twelve Step group, in other small communities; I found wisdom in dealing with issues that touched my life in a more direct, personal way.
But now I look at my householder years as if through a rear view mirror; I am old-ish. Now I seek wisdom in the metaphors of Scripture, in nature, in quiet reflection, in silence. To borrow more words from today’s first reading, I tend to watch for wisdom “at dawn,” to keep “vigil.” I do not claim to have found wisdom but, to quote a Celtic prayer, I do feel more open to “wisdom’s inner promptings” and I hope Wisdom has changed me “for the healing of the world.”